How gluten-free is gluten-free?

Around one in 70 Australians suffer from coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition where eating even a tiny bit of gluten—a protein found in wheat and other grains—can cause debilitating intestinal damage.

The only treatment is a lifelong gluten-free (GF) diet.

But just how gluten-free is GF food?

WHY GLUTEN MATTERS

When coeliac disease sufferers consume gluten, it sets off a chain reaction.

“The protein is recognised by the gut mucosa, which sets up a systemic inflammatory reaction, a bit like the response that occurs with the flu virus,” says gastroenterologist and UWA Clinical Professor Geoff Forbes.

In some patients, the response is hidden, so they don’t realise they’re suffering.

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​Cristy Burne

Science writer

​Perth-based Cristy loves to inspire creativity, daring and resilience in her readers. She has worked as a science writer and presenter in Switzerland, the US, UK, Japan and South Africa. Cristy’s books are published in three languages and five countries.

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